Controls Engineering Graduate Placement

GM Performance Power Units - Concord, NC

Controls Engineering Graduate Placement- Onsite

Date of Internship: Summer 2027 – Summer 2028

Job Summary: GM Performance Power Units is seeking a highly motivated Controls Engineering Graduate Placement to support the development, modeling, simulation, and validation of control systems for our Formula 1 Power Unit. Based in Concord, North Carolina, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a foundational area of our Formula 1 program and join a world-class Electronics & Controls team. 

The Controls Engineering Graduate Placement will work alongside experienced engineers and apply control theory, dynamic-system modeling, data analysis, and model-based development to high-performance hybrid powertrain systems. Assignments may include internal combustion engine controls, energy management, real-time plant modeling, embedded software development, and Software-in-the-Loop or Hardware-in-the-Loop testing.

Key Responsibilities

Support the development and evaluation of real-time control strategies for Formula 1 power-unit systems under the guidance of experienced controls engineers.

Create, modify, and test MATLAB and Simulink models used for control-algorithm development, system simulation, and embedded software implementation.

Apply engineering principles related to feedback control, state-space systems, estimation, filtering, optimization, and dynamic-system modeling.

Assist with the development of control functions associated with air path, fuel, combustion, torque, thermal systems, energy recovery, and hybrid power-unit integration.

Support the development of measurement and estimation methods for fuel consumption, electrical energy usage, battery state of charge, and other power-unit states.

Help develop and refine dynamic plant models representing power-unit components such as the internal combustion engine, intake and exhaust systems, turbocharger, electric machines, batteries, driveline components, sensors, and actuators.

Assist with adapting engineering models for fixed-step and real-time simulation while balancing model fidelity, accuracy, numerical stability, and computational requirements.

Support Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop testing of control functions under normal operation, transient conditions, operating limits, and simulated fault conditions.

Compare control and plant-model behavior with dyno, component-test, or higher-fidelity simulation data and help identify differences between expected and observed results.

Develop scripts and analysis tools using MATLAB, Python, C, or C++ to support modeling, simulation, test automation, and engineering-data analysis.

Document model assumptions, parameter sources, operating ranges, limitations, test results, and engineering conclusions.

Follow team practices for version control, configuration management, model documentation, and technical reviews.

Collaborate with controls, simulation, calibration, validation, electronics, and powertrain engineers to support power-unit development and integration.

Present technical work and findings through concise reports, presentations, model documentation, and engineering reviews.

Support compliance of control functions and system behavior with applicable FIA Technical Regulations.

Additional tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university required. Candidates should be recent graduates (typically within the last two years) seeking to gain practical industry experience through a structured 12-month development program.

Relevant coursework, research, student-team experience, or technical projects involving one or more of the following:  Feedback and modern control systems, Dynamic-system modeling and simulation, State-space methods, System identification or state estimation, Optimization or model predictive control, Internal combustion engines or powertrain systems, Electric machines, batteries, or hybrid systems, Embedded systems or real-time simulation, Numerical methods

Academic or project-based experience using MATLAB and Simulink.

Fundamental understanding of dynamic systems and feedback-control principles.

Demonstrated ability to approach technical problems methodically, document assumptions, and verify results.

Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary engineering environment.

Interest in Formula 1, motorsport, advanced propulsion systems, or performance-critical embedded controls.

Preferred Qualifications:

Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Controls Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand, walk, and move in diverse operational environments, including race shops, arenas, and commercial facilities.

Comfortable working in variable environmental conditions, including loud, high-traffic, or high-pressure environments.

Why Join Us: You’ll help support a team developing a next-generation Formula 1 power unit, working alongside professionals who value precision, creativity, and a constant drive to improve. Graduate Placements will have the unique opportunity to work on a team poised to showcase American engineering excellence on the global Formula 1 stage.  As part of our team, you’ll benefit from a competitive and comprehensive package designed to support your performance, well-being, and future, helping you thrive at every level.

That includes access to:

Private healthcare

401(k) plan including company match

Employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage

32 days annual leave (including holidays)

Free financial advisor access

Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Subsidized on-site dining

On-site gym

Free on-site EV charging for personal GM vehicles

Please note: GM Performance Power Units and all affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity employer(s). Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information regarding the EEOC, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Only direct hires need apply to or inquire about job postings at GM Performance Power Units. We are not accepting calls, resumes or applications from recruiting firms at this time.